31 For no one is cast off

by the Lord forever.e

32 Though he brings grief, he will show compassion,

so great is his unfailing love.f

33 For he does not willingly bring affliction

or grief to anyone.g

34 To crush underfoot

all prisoners in the land,

35 to deny people their rights

before the Most High,h

36 to deprive them of justice—

would not the Lord see such things?i

37 Who can speak and have it happen

if the Lord has not decreed it?j

38 Is it not from the mouth of the Most High

that both calamities and good things come?k

39 Why should the living complain

when punished for their sins?l

40 Let us examine our ways and test them,m

and let us return to the Lord.n

41 Let us lift up our hearts and our hands

to God in heaven,o and say:

42 “We have sinned and rebelledp

and you have not forgiven.q

43 “You have covered yourself with anger and pursuedr us;

you have slain without pity.s